First impressions still matter, probable matter more now than ever before.
And in 2025, the companies making the biggest impact with new hires are doing it with strategically designed onboarding kits packed with branded gear that builds culture, boosts retention, and says: “You belong here.”
If you’re still sending out cookie-cutter swag bags or last-minute welcome folders, it’s time to rethink your approach. Here’s what’s driving change—and what you need to include to stay ahead.
2025 Onboarding Trends: Experience > Orientation
The biggest onboarding shift in 2025 probably won’t surprise you at all. Companies are no longer “checking a box”—they’re building a branded experience based on the individual.
Here’s what’s in:
- Direct-to-doorstep onboarding kits for hybrid and remote employees
- Premium branded products that actually get used (not tossed in a drawer)
- Role-specific kits tailored by department, location, or seniority
- Eco-conscious & wellness-forward items for Gen Z and millennial expectations
- Unboxing moments that spark share-worthy social media buzz
At RSP, we help you ride the trend—not chase it—by designing onboarding kits that combine strategy, style, and substance.
What to Include in Onboarding Kits in 2025 (That Employees Actually Love)
Let’s skip the stress balls and start packing purpose.
Here’s a breakdown of top-performing branded products HR pros are using to wow new hires:
1. Branded Tech Gear
Welcome them like a pro:
- Wireless chargers or charging pads
- Bluetooth earbuds
- Webcam covers or ring lights for remote meetings
- Custom-branded power banks
2. Stylish, Useful Apparel
Branded wearables that go beyond boxy t-shirts:
- Soft, logo-embroidered hoodies
- Branded quarter-zips or fleece vests
- Custom socks or beanies (yes, people love these)
3. Desk & Office Essentials
Make their workspace instantly more productive:
- Branded notebooks and pens
- Laptop stands or mouse pads
- Desk organizers, screen cleaners, or blue light glasses
4. Drinkware & Snack Packs
Turn your onboarding kit into a mini comfort zone:
- Insulated tumblers or branded mugs
- Coffee starter kits or herbal tea samplers
- Healthy snack boxes with your branding front and center
5. Welcome Note + Company Culture Card
Sometimes the smallest touches land the biggest impact:
- A handwritten welcome card from the CEO or team
- A culture card that outlines your values, mission, and inside traditions
Need help putting it all together? We handle full-service kitting—including branded items, packaging, and direct-to-employee shipping.
Employee Onboarding for Hybrid Teams: Branded, Shipped, and Seamless
With hybrid work the new normal, your onboarding process has to meet employees where they are. That means:
- Kits that travel well and deliver just as much impact at home as in the office
- Location-based customization, including timezone-friendly welcome events or gear tailored to remote tools
- Eco-friendly packaging for conscious companies (and conscious employees)
At Resource Solutions Plus, we manage everything from design to doorstep—including fulfillment, inventory, and storage—so your team can focus on what matters most: the people.
Why Branded Promotional Items Still Win in 2025
Let’s be clear: onboarding is marketing.
And branded merchandise is your most underrated marketing channel.
Done right, onboarding kits can:
- Increase new hire engagement by up to 82%
- Boost retention in the first 6 months
- Turn employees into brand ambassadors before their first login
Your onboarding kit isn’t just a gift—it’s your first impression, your culture statement, and your retention strategy rolled into one.
Explore These Branded Onboarding Kits for New Hires, Hybrid Teams, and 2025 Workspaces
- Best For: Welcoming new employees.
- Includes: Adventure lunch bag, 25 oz. Trekker lid bottle, super glide pen, spiral stone paper notebook, and a smartphone wallet.
- Key Benefits:
- Fosters a sense of belonging from day one.
- Equips new hires with essential tools for productivity.
- Enhances brand visibility through daily-use items.
2. New Hire Office Essentials Basic Kit
- Best For: Equipping new employees with office necessities.
- Includes: RPET journal book, pen, mouse pad, tumbler, and mint tin
- Key Benefits:
- Provides eco-friendly, practical tools for daily tasks.
- Demonstrates commitment to sustainability.
- Boosts morale by showing appreciation for new team members.
3. Welcome to the Team Gift Set #4
- Best For: High-end onboarding experiences.
- Includes: Samsonite laptop backpack, Moleskine journal and pen, and a MiiR vacuum insulated tumbler.
- Key Benefits:
- Offers premium items that reflect company values.
- Enhances the onboarding experience for executive-level hires.
- Promotes brand prestige through high-quality products.
4. New Hire Kit
- Best For: Comprehensive onboarding
- Includes: EZ-Box, belt bag, 30 oz. Versa cup, notebook, mousepad, acrylic phone stand, tissue canister, blue light blocking glasses, and a silicone smart wallet.
- Key Benefits:
- Provides a complete set of tools for new employees to hit the ground running.
- Supports health and wellness with blue light glasses and tissue canister.
- Encourages organization and efficiency from the start.
5. New Employee Welcome Kit #3
- Best For: Tech-savvy onboarding
- Includes: Mission Pack smart backpack, wireless headphones, portable charger, wireless speaker, and a 4-in-1 cable.
- Key Benefits:
- Equips employees with modern tech tools for seamless integration.
- Enhances remote work capabilities.
- Demonstrates investment in employee success and comfort.
- Best For: Structured onboarding programs.
- Includes: Urban-style backpack, eco-friendly wireless charging dock, waterproof notebook, stylus pen, and a sticker sheet.
- Key Benefits:
- Supports a smooth transition into company culture.
- Provides tools that facilitate learning and engagement.
- Reinforces brand identity through customized materials.
- Best For: Customizable promotional events.
- Features: Vintage design, available in various colors, and ample space for branding.
- Key Benefits:
- Offers a nostalgic and memorable giveaway option.
- Provides flexibility to fill with branded items.
- Enhances brand visibility through daily use.
Ready to Make Every New Hire Feel Like a VIP?
At Resource Solutions Plus, we build branded onboarding kits that help businesses make powerful first impressions—whether it’s their 5th hire or 500th.
From budget-friendly essentials to luxury-level executive kits, our team helps you design a first-day experience your team won’t forget.